Bicycle hub assembly

ABSTRACT

The bicycle hub assembly includes a hub axle, a hub body, a bearing unit, a lock member, and a tool engagement member. The bearing unit is configured to rotatably support the hub body around the hub axle with respect to the rotational center axis. The bearing unit includes an outer race, an inner race and a plurality of rolling members. The lock member prevents the inner race of the bearing unit from rotating relative to the hub axle. The lock member has an outer peripheral surface. The tool engagement member is configured to rotate the inner race of the bearing unit relative to the hub axle. The tool engagement member has an inner peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface of the tool engagement member is disposed radially outwardly relative to the outer peripheral surface of the lock member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/287,751, filed Oct. 7, 2016. The contents ofthat application are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The technology disclosed herein relates to a bicycle hub assembly.

Background Information

A bicycle wheel typically includes a bicycle hub assembly. The bicyclehub assembly is located in the center of the bicycle wheel.

A conventional bicycle hub assembly (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,791 B2)includes a hub axle (10), a hub body (11), a bearing unit (13), and alock member (15, 17). The hub axle (10) is mounted to a bicycle frame.The hub body (11) is rotatably supported around the hub axle (10) viathe bearing unit (13). The bearing unit (13) is disposed between the hubaxle (10) and the hub body (11).

The bearing unit (13) includes an outer race, an inner race (32) and aplurality of rolling members. The outer race is mounted to an innerperipheral surface of the hub body (11). The inner race (32) is disposedinside the hub body (11) in a radial direction and is threadably mountedto an outer peripheral surface of the hub axle (10). The plurality ofrolling members are disposed between the outer race and the inner race(32).

The lock member (15, 17) prevents the inner race (32) from rotating andretaining with respect to the hub axle. The lock member includes arotation stopper (15) and a retaining member (17). The rotation stopper(15) has a plurality of inner splines to engage with a plurality ofouter splines of the inner race (32) and is non-rotatably mounted to thehub axle. The retaining member (17) is mounted to an end of the hub axle(10) and retains the rotation stopper (15) with respect to the hub axle(10) in an axial direction.

In the above bicycle hub assembly, it is difficult to finely adjust anaxial position of the inner race (32) on the hub axle (10), becausefineness of adjustment about an axial position of the inner race (32) onthe hub axle (10) depends on the total number of the inner splines ofthe rotation stopper (15) and the total number of the outer splines ofthe inner race (32).

In consideration of the problem, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a bicycle hub assembly capable of finely adjustingan axial position of an inner race on a hub axle.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a bicycle hubassembly includes a hub axle, a hub body, a bearing unit, a lock member,and a tool engagement member.

The hub axle includes a first end, a second end, and an axle threadedportion. The second end is opposite to the first end in an axialdirection parallel to a rotational center axis of the bicycle hubassembly. The axle threaded portion is formed on at least one of thefirst end and the second end. The hub body is rotatably supported aroundthe hub axle with respect to the rotational center axis.

The bearing unit is configured to rotatably support the hub body aroundthe hub axle with respect to the rotational center axis. The bearingunit includes an outer race, an inner race and a plurality of rollingmembers. The plurality of rolling members are disposed between the outerrace and the inner race. The inner race includes a firsttorque-transmitting portion and a bearing threaded portion. The bearingthreaded portion is configured to threadedly engage with the axlethreaded portion of the hub axle.

The lock member is configured to prevent the inner race of the bearingunit from rotating relative to the hub axle in a fully assembled statewhere the bearing unit and the lock member are mounted to the hub axle.The lock member includes a first tool-engagement portion and alock-member threaded portion. The lock-member threaded portion isconfigured to threadedly engage with the axle threaded portion. The lockmember has an outer peripheral surface.

The tool engagement member is configured to rotate the inner race of thebearing unit relative to the hub axle in a state where the inner race isthreaded onto the hub axle. The tool engagement member includes a secondtool-engagement portion and a second torque-transmitting portion. Thesecond torque-transmitting portion is configured to engage with thefirst torque-transmitting portion of the inner race. The tool engagementmember has an inner peripheral surface.

The inner peripheral surface of the tool engagement member is disposedradially outwardly relative to the outer peripheral surface of the firstlock member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a bicyclehub assembly includes a hub axle, a hub body, a bearing unit, and a lockmember. The hub axle includes a first end, a second end, and an axlethreaded portion. The second end is provided on the opposite side to thefirst end in an axial direction parallel to a rotational center axis ofthe bicycle hub assembly. The axle threaded portion is formed on atleast one of the first end and the second end. The hub body is rotatablysupported around the hub axle with respect to the rotational centeraxis.

The bearing unit is configured to rotatably support the hub body aroundthe hub axle with respect to the rotational center axis. The bearingunit includes an outer race, an inner race and a plurality of rollingmembers. The plurality of rolling members are disposed between the outerrace and the inner race. The inner race includes a bearing threadedportion. The bearing threaded portion is configured to threadedly engagewith the axle threaded portion of the hub axle.

The lock member is configured to prevent the inner race of the bearingunit from rotating relative to the hub axle in a fully assembled statewhere the bearing unit and the lock member are mounted to the hub axle.The lock member includes a first tool-engagement portion and alock-member threaded portion. The lock-member threaded portion isconfigured to threadedly engage with the axle threaded portion. The lockmember has an outer peripheral surface.

The inner race of the bearing unit includes an inner race body and anaxially extending part. The axially extending part includes a secondtool-engagement portion spaced apart from the first tool-engagementportion in the axial direction. The second tool-engagement portion hasan inner peripheral surface.

The inner peripheral surface of the second tool-engagement portion isdisposed radially outwardly relative to the outer peripheral surface ofthe first lock member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings, which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle according to a first embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a front hub assembly according tothe first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first lock structureaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a first lock structureaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a first lock structureaccording to a second embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first lock structureaccording to the second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first lock structureaccording to the other embodiment (A);

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a first lock member and atool engagement member of a first lock structure according to the otherembodiment (B); and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a first lock member and atool engagement member of a first lock structure according to the otherembodiment (C).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments of the present technology will now be explainedwith reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of theembodiments of the present technology are provided for illustration onlyand not for the purpose of limiting the technology as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

First Embodiment

<General Configuration of a Bicycle>

As shown FIG. 1, a bicycle 1 includes a bicycle chain 9, a frame 11, ahandle 13, a front hub assembly 15 (an example of a bicycle hubassembly), front and rear wheels 17, 19, front and rear brake devices21, 23, a shifting device 24, and a driving system 25.

The frame 11 includes a frame body 11 a. The frame body 11 a includes atop tube 11 c, a head tube 11 d, a seat tube 11 e, a down tube 11 f, apair of chain stays 11 g, a pair of seat stays 11 h, and a bottombracket hanger 12. A connection portion of the seat stay 11 h and thechain stay 11 g is described as a rear end 11 j below.

A front fork 11 b is rotatably attached to the head tube 11 d of theframe body 11 a. The front fork 11 b includes a pair of leg portions 11i. Distal ends of the pair of leg portions 11 i are described as a pairof front end 11 k. The handle 13 is fixed to the front fork 11 b.

The front hub assembly 15 is mounted to the front fork 11 b.Specifically, the front hub assembly 15 is mounted between the pair offront ends 11 k in an axial direction parallel to a rotational centeraxis C1 of the front hub assembly 15. The front hub assembly 15 isdescribed in detail below.

The front wheel 17 is rotatably attached to the front fork 11 b (thepair of leg portions 11 i) via the front hub assembly 15. A front tire17 a is attached to the front wheel 17. The rear wheel 19 is rotatablyattached to a rear portion of the frame body 11 a (a pair of rear ends11 j) via a rear hub assembly 29 (another example of a bicycle hubassembly). A rear tire 19 a is attached to the rear wheels 19.

The front and rear brake devices 21, 23 are operated by a brakeoperating device 14. The shifting device 24 is attached to the handle13. The shifting device 24 operates a rear derailleur 26 via a controlcable 22. The rear derailleur 26 moves the bicycle chain 9 from one rearsprocket of a rear sprocket assembly 28 to an adjacent rear sprocket ofthe rear sprocket assembly 28 by a shifting device 24 attaching to, e.g.the right side of the handle 13. The rear derailleur 26 is, for example,attached to the rear end 11 j of the frame body 11 a.

The driving system 25 mainly includes a crank assembly 27, the rearsprocket assembly 28, and the rear hub assembly 29.

The crank assembly 27 is rotatably supported on a lower portion of theframe body 11 a, for example, the bottom bracket hanger 12. The crankassembly 27 mainly includes a crank axle (not shown), a right crank arm33, a left crank arm (not shown), and the front sprocket assembly 35.

The front sprocket assembly 35 is attached to the right crank arm 33 soas to be integrally rotatable with the right crank arm 33. The frontsprocket assembly 35 includes at least one front sprocket.

The rear sprocket assembly 28 is rotatably attached to a rear portion ofthe frame body 11 a (the pair of rear ends 11 j) via the rear hubassembly 29.

The rear hub assembly 29 is mounted on the rear portion of the framebody 11 a (the pair of rear ends 11 j). Specifically, the rear hubassembly 29 is mounted between the pair of rear ends 11 j in an axialdirection parallel to a rotational center axis C2 of the rear hubassembly 29. The rear hub assembly 29 is configured to mount the rearsprocket assembly 28 thereto and to rotatably support the rear sprocketassembly 28.

<Configuration of the Front Hub Assembly>

As shown in FIG. 1, the front hub assembly 15 rotatably supports thefront wheel 17 via spokes 17 b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the front hub assembly 15 comprises a hub axle 50, ahub body 51, a first lock structure 52, and a second lock structure 53.The front hub assembly 15 has an axial center line L1 perpendicular tothe rotational center axis C1.

The axial center line L1 is defined between first and second ends 50 a,50 b (as described below) of the hub axle 50. Specifically, the axialcenter line L1 passes an axial center point P1 on the rotational centeraxis C1 and is perpendicular to the rotational center axis C1.

(Hub Axle)

As shown in FIG. 2, the hub axle 50 has the first end 50 a, the secondend 50 b opposite to the first end 50 a in the axial direction parallelto the rotational center axis C1 of the front hub assembly 15, a firstaxle threaded portion 50 d (an example of an axle threaded portion)formed on the first end 50 a, and a second axle threaded portion 50 e(another example of an axle threaded portion) formed on the second end50 b.

The first end 50 a is provided on one end side of the hub axle 50, forexample, on a right side end portion of FIG. 2. The second end 50 b isprovided on the opposite side to the first end 50 a in the axialdirection parallel to the rotational center axis C1 of the front hubassembly 15, for example, on a left side end portion of FIG. 2.

An axle threaded portion can be formed on at least one of the first end50 a and the second end 50 b. Specifically, the first axle threadedportion 50 d is formed on the first end 50 a. Specifically, the firstaxle threaded portion 50 d is formed on an outer peripheral surface ofthe first end 50 a. For example, the first axle threaded portion 50 d isa male threaded portion.

The second axle threaded portion 50 e is formed on the second end 50 b.Specifically, the second axle threaded portion 50 e is formed on anouter peripheral surface of the second end 50 b. For example, the secondaxle threaded portion 50 e is a male threaded portion.

The hub axle 50 is supported by the front fork 11 b. Specifically, thehub axle 50 is supported by the pair of front ends ilk of the front fork11 b, via a first lock member 56 (as described below) of the first lockstructure 52 and a second lock member 66 (as described below) of thesecond lock structure 53.

For example, the hub axle 50 is mounted to the pair of front ends 11 kvia the first lock member 56 and the second lock member 66 by a wheelsecuring device (not shown).

The wheel securing device is the substantially same as the conventionaldevice. For example, a shaft of a wheel securing device is inserted intoa hollow portion of the hub axle 50, the first lock member 56, and thesecond lock member 66. One end of the shaft of the wheel securing deviceis screwed into one of the pair of front ends 11 k after passing throughthe other of the pair of front ends 11 k.

In the state, the hub axle 50, the first lock member 56, and the secondlock member 66 is clamped between the pair of front ends 11 k byoperating a lever. The lever is mounted to the other end of the shaft soas to be outside the other of the pair of the front ends 11 k.

(Hub Body)

As shown in FIG. 2, the hub body 51 is rotatably supported around thehub axle 50 with respect to the rotational center axis C1. Specifically,the hub body 51 is rotatably supported around the hub axle 50 via firstand second bearing units 55, 65 (as described below).

The hub body 51 is formed in a substantially tubular shape. The hub body51 includes a first hub flange 51 a and a second hub flange 51 b spacedapart from the first hub flange 51 a in the axial direction. The firsthub flange 51 a is provided on one end portion of the hub body 51, forexample, on a right side of FIG. 2.

One of the first hub flange 51 a and the second hub flange 51 b canextend axially outwardly from an inner race of a bearing unit withrespect to the axial center line C1. The first hub flange 51 a extendsaxially outwardly from a first bearing unit 55 (as described below) withrespect to the axial center line L1. Specifically, the first hub flange51 a extends axially outwardly from a first inner race 61 (as describedbelow) of the first bearing unit 55 with respect to the axial centerline L1. For example, the first hub flange 51 a is formed in asubstantially corn shape.

The second hub flange 51 b is provided on the other end portion of thehub body 51, for example, on a left side of FIG. 2. In other words, thesecond hub flange 51 b is arranged spaced apart from the first hubflange 51 a in the axial direction.

The second hub flange 51 b extends axially outwardly from the secondbearing unit 65 with respect to the axial center line L1. Specifically,the second hub flange 51 b extends axially outwardly from a second innerrace 65 b (as described below) of the second bearing unit 65 withrespect to the axial center line L1. For example, the second hub flange51 b is formed in a substantially corn shape.

(First Lock Structure)

As shown in FIG. 2, the first lock structure 52 includes, the firstbearing unit 55 (an example of a bearing unit), the first lock member 56(an example of a lock member), and a tool engagement member 57. In otherword, the front hub assembly 15 comprises the first lock member 56 andthe tool engagement member 57.

—First Bearing Unit—

As shown in FIG. 2, the first bearing unit 55 is configured to rotatablysupport the hub body 51 around the hub axle 50 with respect to therotational center axis C1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first bearing unit 55 includes a first outerrace 60 (an example of an outer race), the first inner race 61 (anexample of an inner race), and a plurality of first rolling members 62(an example of a plurality of rolling members) disposed between thefirst outer race 60 and the first inner race 61. Preferably, the firstbearing unit 55 further includes a first retainer 63.

The first outer race 60 is fixedly mounted to the hub body 51.Specifically, the first outer race 60 is directly or indirectly attachedto an inner peripheral surface of the hub body 51, for example, to aninner peripheral surface of the first hub flange 51 a.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first inner race 61 is configured toengage with the tool engagement member 57 and the hub axle 50. The firstinner race 61 has a first torque-transmitting portion 61 a and a bearingthreaded portion 61 b.

The first inner race 61 is formed in a substantially tubular shape. Thefirst torque-transmitting portion 61 a is configured to engage with asecond torque-transmitting portion 57 b (as described below) of the toolengagement member 57.

The first torque-transmitting portion 61 a is provided on an outerperipheral surface of the first inner race 61. The firsttorque-transmitting portion 61 a includes at least one first linearsurface 61 c. Specifically, the at least one first linear surface 61 cincludes a plurality of first linear surfaces 61 c (see FIG. 4).

The bearing threaded portion 61 b is configured to threadedly engagewith the first axle threaded portion 50 d of the hub axle 50. Thebearing threaded portion 61 b is formed on an inner peripheral surfaceof the first inner race 61. For example, the bearing threaded portion 61b is a female threaded portion.

As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of first rolling members 62 aredisposed between the first outer race 60 and the first inner race 61.Each of the first rolling members 62 is formed in a substantiallyspherical shape. The first retainer 63 is configured to retain theplurality of first rolling members 62. The first retainer 63 is formedin a substantially annular shape.

—First Lock Member—

The first lock member 56 is configured to prevent the first inner race61 of the first bearing unit 55 from rotating relative to the hub axle50 in a state where the first bearing unit 55 and the first lock member56 are mounted to the hub axle 50.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first lock member 56 has a firsttool-engagement portion 56 a and a first lock-member threaded portion 56b (an example of a lock-member threaded portion). The lock member 56 isformed in a substantially tubular shape. The first lock member 56 has anouter peripheral surface 56 c.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first tool-engagement portion 56 a isdisposed axially outwardly from the first inner race 61 with respect tothe axial center line L1. Specifically, the first tool-engagementportion 56 a is disposed axially outwardly from the first hub flange 51a in a state where the first bearing unit 55 and the first lock member56 are mounted to the hub axle 50.

The first tool-engagement portion 56 a is configured to engage with afirst tool. The first tool-engagement portion 56 a may include aplurality of first tool-engagement linear surfaces 56 d, for example,two first tool-engagement linear surfaces 56 d.

The first tool-engagement portion 56 a may include a first polygonalouter surface formed by a plurality of first tool-engagement linearsurfaces 56 d. The first tool-engagement polygonal outer surface 56 dmay be e.g. trigonal, quadrangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonalouter peripheral surfaces. The first tool engages with the firsttool-engagement polygonal outer peripheral surface 56 d of the firsttool-engagement portion 56 a. For example, the first tool includes anormal wrench and a polygonal wrench and the like.

The first lock-member threaded portion 56 b is configured to threadedlyengage with the first axle threaded portion 50 d. The first lock-memberthreaded portion 56 b is formed on an inner peripheral surface of thefirst lock member 56. For example, the first lock-member threadedportion 56 b is a female threaded portion.

The first lock member 56 has a first abutting portion 56 e configured toabuts against the first inner race 61 and the tool engagement member 57.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the first abutting portion 56 e abutsagainst an axially outward end 61 d of the first inner race 61 so as toprevent the first inner race 61 from rotating relative to the hub axle50. The first abutting portion 56 e abuts against a stepped portion 57 hof the tool engagement member 57 so as to prevent the tool engagementmember 57 from axially outwardly moving. The stepped portion 57 h isformed on an inner peripheral surface of the tool engagement member 57

—Tool Engagement Member—

The tool engagement member 57 is configured to rotate the first innerrace 61 of the first bearing unit 55 relative to the hub axle 50. Also,the tool engagement member 57 is configured to engage with a secondtool.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tool engagement member 57 is a separatemember from the first inner race 61 of the first bearing unit 55. Forexample, the tool engagement member 57 is made of metal such as aluminum(for the purpose of weight-saving) and iron (for the purpose ofenhancement of rigidity) and the like.

The tool engagement member 57 has a second tool-engagement portion 57 aand the second torque-transmitting portion 57 b. Preferably, the toolengagement member 57 has a cover portion 57 c.

The tool engagement member 57 is formed in a substantially tubularshape. The tool engagement member 57 has an inner peripheral surface 57d.

The inner peripheral surface 57 d is configured to be disposed radiallyoutwardly from the outer peripheral surface 56 c of the first lockmember 56 in a state where the first lock member 56 and the toolengagement member 57 are mounted to the hub axle 50.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the front hub assembly 15further comprises an elastic member 59. The elastic member 59 preferablyhas an annular shape. In other words, the elastic member 59 is formed inan annular shape. For example, the elastic member 59 may be an O-ring.

The elastic member 59 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface56 c of the first lock member 56 and the inner peripheral surface 57 dof the tool engagement member 57 in a radial direction with respect tothe rotational center axis C1.

One of the outer peripheral surface 56 c of the first lock member 56 andthe inner peripheral surface 57 d of the tool engagement member 57 mayinclude a recess 57 e. In the illustrated embodiment, the innerperipheral surface 57 d of the tool engagement member 57 includes therecess 57 e. The elastic member 59 is disposed into the recess 57 e.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second tool-engagement portion 57 a isdisposed axially outwardly from the first inner race 61 of the firstbearing unit 55 with respect to the axial center line L1.

Specifically, the second tool-engagement portion 57 a is disposedaxially outwardly from the first hub flange 51 a in a state where thefirst bearing unit 55 and the first lock member 56 are mounted to thehub axle 50. The second tool-engagement portion 57 a is disposed betweenthe first inner race 61 of the first bearing unit 55 and the firsttool-engagement portion 56 a of the first lock member 56 in the axialdirection.

The second tool-engagement portion 57 a is configured to be engaged by asecond tool. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second tool-engagementportion 57 a is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the toolengagement member 57. The second tool-engagement portion 57 a includesat least one second polygonal outer peripheral surface.

In the embodiment, the second tool-engagement portion 57 a includes aplurality of second tool-engagement linear surfaces 57 f, for example,two second tool-engagement linear surfaces 57 f The secondtool-engagement portion 57 a may include a second polygonal outersurface. Such a second polygonal outer surface may be formed by theplurality of second tool-engagement linear surfaces 57 f.

The second tool engages with the plurality of second tool-engagementlinear surfaces 57 f of the second tool-engagement portion 57 a. Forexample, the second tool includes a normal wrench and a polygonal wrenchand the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second torque-transmitting portion 57 b isconfigured to engage with the first torque-transmitting portion 61 a ofthe first inner race 61. Specifically, the second torque-transmittingportion 57 b is configured to engage with the first torque-transmittingportion 61 a of the first inner race 61 in a state where the firstbearing unit 55 and the tool engagement member 57 are mounted to the hubaxle 50.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second torque-transmitting portion 57 bis provided on an inner peripheral surface of the third body portion 57a. The second torque-transmitting portion 57 b includes at least onesecond linear surface 57 g (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the at least onesecond linear surface 57 g includes a plurality of second linearsurfaces.

As shown in FIG. 3, the at least one second linear surfaces 57 g ofsecond torque-transmitting portion 57 b is configured to contact the atleast one first linear surface 61 c of the first torque-transmittingportion 61 a in a state where the first bearing unit 55 and the toolengagement member 57 are mounted to the hub axle 50.

Specifically, the tool engagement member 57 is fitted to the first innerrace 61 a by contact of the at least one first linear surface 61 c andthe at least one second linear surface 57 g. In the state, the innerrace 61 rotates integrally with the tool engagement member 57, when thetool engagement member 57 rotates by the second tool.

The cover portion 57 c is configured to prevent foreign matters fromentering inside of the hub body 51. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the coverportion 57 c is formed in a substantially annular shape and extends fromthe tool engagement member 57 toward the hub body 51, for example, thefirst hub flange 51 a.

(Second Lock Structure)

The second lock structure 53 is briefly described, because the secondlock structure 53 includes a substantially same configuration as theconventional one. The omitted configuration is equivalent to theconventional configuration.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second lock structure 53 includes the secondbearing unit 65, the second lock member 66, and a cover member 67.

The second bearing unit 65 includes a second outer race 65 a, the secondinner race 65 b, a plurality of second rolling members 65 c, and asecond retainer 65 d.

The second outer race 65 a is fixedly mounted to the hub body 51, forexample, to an inner peripheral surface of the hub body 51.

The second inner race 65 b is fixedly mounted to the hub axle 50. Theplurality of second rolling members 65 c are disposed between the secondouter race 65 a and the second inner race 65 b.

The second lock member 66 prevents the second inner race 65 b of thesecond bearing unit 65 from rotating relative to the hub axle 50 in astate where the second bearing unit 65 and the second lock member 66 aremounted to the hub axle 50. The second lock member 66 is mounted to thehub axle 50.

The plurality of second rolling members 65 c are disposed between thesecond outer race 65 a and the second inner race 65 b. The secondretainer 65 d is configured to retain the plurality of second rollingmembers 65 c. The cover member 67 is mounted to the second lock member66, for example, an outer peripheral surface of the second lock member66.

(Additional Configuration)

As shown in FIG. 2, the front hub assembly 15 further includes first andsecond seal member 68, 69. The first seal member 68 is disposed betweenthe first outer race 60 of the first bearing unit 55 and the toolengagement member 57 in the axial direction. Specifically, the firstseal member 68 is disposed between the first outer race 60 and the coverportion 57 c of the tool engagement member 57 in the axial direction.The first seal member 68 is attached to an inner peripheral surface ofthe hub body 51, for example, to an inner peripheral surface of thefirst hub flange 51 a.

The second seal member 69 is disposed between the second outer race 65 aof the second bearing unit 65 and the cover member 67 in the axialdirection. The second seal member 69 is attached to an inner peripheralsurface of the hub body 51, for example, to an inner peripheral surfaceof the second hub flange 51 b.

<Installation of the Front Hub Assembly>

Firstly, the second lock structure 53 is mounted to the hub body 51 andthe hub axle 50. For example, the second outer race 65 a and the secondrolling members 65 c are disposed between the hub body 51 and the hubaxle 50. In this state, the second inner race 65 b is screwed onto thesecond end 50 b of the hub axle 50 in a conventional manner.

Next, the second lock member 66 is screwed onto the second end 50 b ofthe hub axle 50 and prevents the second inner race 65 b from rotatingrelative to the hub axle 50. Next, the second seal member is attached toan inner peripheral surface of the hub body 51 and the cover member 67is mounted to an outer peripheral surface of the second lock member 66.

Secondly, the first outer race 60 and the first rolling members 62 aredisposed between the hub body 51 and the hub axle 50. In this state, thetool engagement member 57 is engaged with the first inner race 61 andthe first inner race 61 is screwed onto the first end 50 a of the hubaxle 50 by rotating the tool engagement member 57 with the second tool.

Specifically, the bearing threaded portion 61 b of the first inner race61 is screwed to the first axle threaded portion 50 d of the hub axle 50by rotating the tool engagement member 57 with the second tool.

Next, the first seal member 58 is attached to an inner peripheralsurface of the hub body 51. Next, the first lock member 56 is screwedonto the first end 50 a of the hub axle 50 by the first tool.

Specifically, the first lock-member threaded portion 56 b of the firstlock member 56 is screwed to the first axle threaded portion 50 d of thehub axle 50 until the first lock member 56 abuts against the first innerrace 61 (axially outward end 61 d) and the tool engagement member 57(the stepped portion 57 h). Thus the first lock member 56 prevents thefirst inner race 61 and the tool engagement member 57 from rotatingrelative to the hub axle 50.

Second Embodiment

A configuration of a second embodiment is the substantially same as theconfiguration of the first embodiment, except for the configuration ofthe first lock member 56 of the first embodiment.

Explanation of the same configuration as the first embodiment is omittedin the second embodiment. The omitted configuration is equivalent to theconfiguration described in the first embodiment. About the sameconfiguration as the first embodiment, the references of the firstembodiment is indicated in the second embodiment.

(Third Lock Member)

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a third lock member156 (an example of a lock member), which corresponds to the first lockmember 56 of the first embodiment, is configured as follows.

The third lock member 156 prevents the first inner race 61 of the firstbearing unit 55 (see FIG. 2) from rotating relative to the hub axle 50in a state where the first bearing unit 55 and the third lock member 156are mounted to the hub axle 50.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the third lock member 156 has a thirdtool-engagement portion 156 a (an example of a first tool-engagementportion) and a second lock-member threaded portion 156 b (an example ofa lock-member threaded portion). The third lock member 156 may furtherhave a second abutting portion 156 c.

The third lock member 156 is formed in a substantially tubular shape.The third lock member 156 has an outer peripheral surface 156 d.

The third tool-engagement portion 156 a is disposed axially outwardlyfrom the first inner race 61 with respect to the axial center line L1(see FIG. 2). The third tool-engagement portion 156 a is configured tobe engaged by a third tool. The third tool-engagement portion 156 a isprovided on an inner peripheral surface of a small-diameter portion ofthe third lock member 156.

The third tool-engagement portion 156 a includes a polygonal hole. Thethird tool engages with the polygonal hole of the third tool-engagementportion 156 a. For example, the third tool includes a hexagonal wrenchand the like.

The second lock-member threaded portion 156 b is configured tothreadedly engage with the first axle threaded portion 50 d of the hubaxle 50. The second lock-member threaded portion 156 b is formed on aninner peripheral surface of a large-diameter portion of the third lockmember 156. For example, the second lock-member threaded portion 156 bis a female threaded portion.

Explanation of the second abutting portion 156 c is omitted, because aconfiguration of the second abutting portion 156 c is the substantiallysame as the configuration of the first abutting portion 56 e of thefirst embodiment.

(Additional Configuration)

In the second embodiment, the hub axle 50 is mounted on the pair offront ends 11 k via the third lock member 156 and the second lock member66 (see FIG. 2) by a wheel securing device (not shown).

The wheel securing device is the substantially same as the conventionaldevice. For example, a shaft of a wheel securing device is inserted intoa hollow portions of the hub axle 50, the third lock member 156, and thesecond lock member 66. Both end of the shaft of the wheel securingdevice pass through concave portions of the pair of front ends 11 k.

In the state, the hub axle 50, the third lock member 156, and the secondlock member 66 are clamped between a nut member and a lever. The nut ismounted to the one end of the shaft on the outside of one of the pair ofthe front ends 11 k. The lever is mounted to the other end of the shafton the outside of the other of the pair of the front ends 11 k.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

(A) In the above embodiment, explanation is performed as an example thatthe tool engagement member 57 is a separate member from the first innerrace 61 of the first bearing unit 55. Instead of this, the toolengagement member 57 and the first inner race 61 of the first bearingunit 55 can be formed as a one-piece, unitary member.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, a third inner race 161, whichcorresponds to the tool engagement member 57 and the first inner race 61of the first bearing unit 55 in the first embodiment, is configured asfollows.

As shown in FIG. 7, a third inner race 161 of a third bearing unit 75(an example of a bearing unit) includes an inner race body 161 a and anaxially extending part 161 b. The inner race body 161 a is a part whichcorresponds to the first inner race 61 of the above embodiment. Theinner race body 161 a includes a bearing threaded portion 161 c. Thebearing threaded portion 161 c is configured to threadedly engage withthe first axle threaded portion 50 d of the hub axle 50.

The axially extending part 161 b is a part which corresponds to the toolengagement member 57 of the above embodiment. The axially extending part161 b and the inner race body 161 a of the third bearing unit 75 areformed as a one-piece unitary member. The axially extending part 161 bextends from the inner race body 161 a toward the first tool-engagementportion 56 a in the axial direction. The axially extending part 161 bhas a fourth tool-engagement portion 161 d (an example of a secondtool-engagement portion) spaced apart from the first tool-engagementportion 56 a in the axial direction. The fourth tool-engagement portion161 d is disposed between the inner race body 161 a and the firsttool-engagement portion 56 a. One of the first hub flange 51 a and thesecond hub flange 51 b extends axially outwardly from the inner racebody 161 a. The first tool-engagement portion 56 a and the fourthtool-engagement portion 161 d are disposed axially outwardly from theone of the first hub flange 51 a and the second hub flange 51 b in astate where the third bearing unit 75 and the first lock member 56 aremounted to the hub axle 50.

The axially extending part 161 b further includes a cover portion 161 e.The configuration of the cover portion 161 e is the substantially sameas the configuration of the cover portion 57 c of the first embodiment.Explanation of the cover portion 161 e is omitted, because aconfiguration of the cover portion 161 e is the substantially same asthe configuration of the cover portion 57 c of the first embodiment. Theaxially extending part 161 b can be a separate member from the innerrace body 161 a.

Also, the above configuration of the third inner race 161 is applicableto the tool engagement member 57 and the first inner race 61 of thefirst bearing unit 55 in the second embodiment.

(B) In the above embodiment, explanation is performed as an example thatthe first and second torque-transmitting portion 61 a, 57 b includes aplurality of first and second linear surfaces respectively.

Instead of this, as shown in FIG. 8, the first torque-transmittingportion 61 a can include a plurality of first splines 261 a. The secondtorque-transmitting portion 57 b can include a plurality of secondsplines 257 b configured to engage with the plurality of first splines261 a in a state where the first bearing unit 55 and the tool engagementmember 57 are mounted to the hub axle 50.

For example, the plurality of first splines 261 a is provided on anouter peripheral surface of the first inner race 61 and extends in theaxial direction. The plurality of second splines 257 b is provided on aninner peripheral surface of the third body portion 57 a and extends inthe axial direction.

(C) In the above embodiment, explanation is performed as an example thatthe first inner race 61 and the tool engagement member 57 rotateintegrally by engaging the second torque-transmitting portion 57 b withthe first torque-transmitting portion 61 a.

As shown in FIG. 9, adhesive can be used for the firsttorque-transmitting portion 61 a and the second torque-transmittingportion 57 b. In this case, the first torque-transmitting portion 61 aincludes a first adhesively-attached surface 361 a. The secondtorque-transmitting portion 57 b includes a second adhesively-attachedsurface 357 b. The second adhesively-attached surface 357 b isconfigured to be attached to the first adhesively-attached surface 361 aby adhesive.

(D) In the above embodiment, explanation is performed as an example thatthe second lock structure 53 is the conventional one. Instead of this,the second lock structure 53 can be the same configuration as the firstlock structure 52.

General Interpretation of Terms

In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps.

The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as theterms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms“part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in thesingular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality ofparts.

Also as used herein to describe the above embodiment(s), the followingdirectional terms “forward”, “rearward”, “above”, “downward”,“vertical”, “horizontal”, “below”, “transverse”, “inward” and “outward”as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directionsof the bicycle hub assembly in a state where the bicycle hub assemblyare mounted to a bicycle. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized todescribe the present technology should be interpreted relative to thebicycle hub assembly.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section,or part of a device implies the existence of other unclaimed orunmentioned components, sections, members or parts of the device tocarry out a desired function.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent technology, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the technology as defined inthe appended claims.

For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the variouscomponents can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that areshown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediatestructures disposed between them. The functions of one element can beperformed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of oneembodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary forall advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the sametime.

Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or incombination with other features, also should be considered a separatedescription of further technologies by the applicant, including thestructural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus,the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the presenttechnologies are provided for illustration only, and not for the purposeof limiting the technology as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle hub assembly comprising: a hub axlehaving a first end, a second end opposite to the first end in an axialdirection parallel to a rotational center axis of the bicycle hubassembly and an axle threaded portion formed on at least one of thefirst end and the second end; a hub body rotatably supported around thehub axle with respect to the rotational center axis; a bearing unitconfigured to rotatably support the hub body around the hub axle withrespect to the rotational center axis and including an outer race, aninner race and a plurality of rolling members disposed between the outerrace and the inner race, the inner race having a firsttorque-transmitting portion and a bearing threaded portion configured tothreadedly engage with the axle threaded portion of the hub axle; a lockmember configured to prevent the inner race of the bearing unit fromrotating relative to the hub axle in a fully assembled state where thebearing unit and the lock member are mounted to the hub axle, the lockmember having a first tool-engagement portion and a lock-member threadedportion configured to threadedly engage with the axle threaded portion,the lock member having an outer peripheral surface; and a toolengagement member configured to rotate the inner race of the bearingunit relative to the hub axle in a state where the inner race isthreaded onto the hub axle and having a second tool-engagement portionand a second torque-transmitting portion configured to engage with thefirst torque-transmitting portion of the inner race, the tool engagementmember having an inner peripheral surface, wherein the inner peripheralsurface of the tool engagement member is disposed radially outwardlyrelative to the outer peripheral surface of the lock member.
 2. Thebicycle hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein the firsttool-engagement portion includes a plurality of first tool-engagementlinear surfaces.
 3. The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 1,wherein the second tool-engagement portion includes a plurality ofsecond tool-engagement linear surfaces.
 4. The bicycle hub assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the second tool-engagement portion isdisposed between the first inner race of the first bearing unit and thefirst tool-engagement portion of the lock member in the axial direction.5. The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein the secondtool-engagement portion is disposed on an outer peripheral surface ofthe tool engagement member.
 6. The bicycle hub assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the first tool-engagement portion is disposed on anouter peripheral surface or an inner peripheral surface of the lockmember.
 7. A bicycle hub assembly comprising: a hub axle having a firstend, a second end opposite to the first end in an axial directionparallel to a rotational center axis of the bicycle hub assembly and anaxle threaded portion formed on at least one of the first end and thesecond end; a hub body rotatably supported around the hub axle withrespect to the rotational center axis; a bearing unit configured torotatably support the hub body around the hub axle with respect to therotational center axis and including an outer race, an inner race and aplurality of rolling members disposed between the outer race and theinner race, the inner race having a bearing threaded portion configuredto threadedly engage with the axle threaded portion of the hub axle; anda lock member configured to prevent the inner race of the bearing unitfrom rotating relative to the hub axle in a fully assembled state wherethe bearing unit and the lock member are mounted to the hub axle, thelock member having a first tool-engagement portion and a lock-memberthreaded portion configured to threadedly engage with the axle threadedportion, the lock member having an outer peripheral surface, wherein theinner race of the bearing unit includes an inner race body and anaxially extending part having a second tool-engagement portion spacedapart from the first tool-engagement portion in the axial direction, thesecond tool-engagement portion having an inner peripheral surface, andthe inner peripheral surface of the second tool-engagement portion isdisposed radially outwardly relative to the outer peripheral surface ofthe lock member.
 8. The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 7,wherein the first tool-engagement portion includes a plurality of firsttool-engagement linear surfaces.
 9. The bicycle hub assembly accordingto claim 7, wherein the second tool-engagement portion includes aplurality of second tool-engagement linear surfaces.
 10. The bicycle hubassembly according to claim 7, wherein the second tool-engagementportion is disposed between the inner race body of the inner race andthe first tool-engagement portion of the lock member in the axialdirection.
 11. The bicycle hub assembly according to claim 7, whereinthe second tool-engagement portion is disposed on an outer peripheralsurface of the axially extending part.
 12. The bicycle hub assemblyaccording to claim 7, wherein the first tool-engagement portion isdisposed on an outer peripheral surface or an inner peripheral surfaceof the lock member.